“This is a life-threatening situation,” Gov. Scott said in a news briefing. “The storm surge will rush in, and it could kill you. Think about it, six to 12 feet (of storm surge). That is taller than some homes, and it’s going to rush in. You’re not going to survive this.

“If you have been ordered to evacuate,” he added, “now is the time to evacuate.”

Residents who don’t evacuate or find shelter by midnight tonight will have to ride out “this extremely dangerous storm” at their own risk. Gov. Scott stressed the life-threatening nature of Hurricane Irma, saying it’s a catastrophic storm that Florida has never seen before.

There will be a time when public safety officials will not be able to help residents, Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott said. Evacuate or seek shelter before it’s too late.

Officials could not provide an estimate on the number of people in shelters so far, but Sheriff Scott said there is plenty of space for everyone. If shelters for some reason did reach capacity, Gov. Scott said more shelters would be opened as needed.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaks with community leaders in Collier County while also holding a press conference to discuss impending Hurricane Irma during a quick stop at the Collier County Emergency Operations Center Wednesday, September 6, 2017 in Naples.
Luke Franke/Naples Daily News

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LeeTran has been offering free rides to shelters all day, and Gov. Scott said school buses are also being used to help with transportation.

He also spoke to the people living on fixed incomes who feel they can’t afford to leave.

“I think about my mom and how hard it would’ve been for her to be completely broke and have kids, and have to evacuate,” Gov. Scott said. “But you have to do it. You can’t afford not to do it.”

Many people have asked about opening southbound lanes on the interstate for northbound evacuations, he said. But law enforcement escorts are helping transport fuel to gas stations. In addition, Southwest Florida residents don’t need to travel far to evacuate. Go to a shelter, he said.

There are about 17,000 volunteers, and about 7,000 members of the National Guard have been activated. Protecting life is the top priority, Gov. Scott said, and officials will spare no expense or resource to protect life. Residents should do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.

“I am a father and a grandfather. I love my family. I cannot imagine life without them. Do not put yourself or your family in harm’s way,” Gov. Scott said. “Possessions can be replaced, your life and your family cannot.”